Ala Moana Bowls Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the table for Ala Moana Bowls.

Overall, it’s a frustrating stretch coming up. We’ve got a lot of energy in the water, but the wind just won't let up, and the quality is taking a big hit. A fresh breeze from the ENE is glued on for days, blowing cross-off, which keeps the surface clean but makes for tough, bumpy conditions. The water temp is pretty average for this time of year, nothing out of the ordinary.

The forecast starts off with a real tease. On Saturday the 4th of July, we’ve got a morning pulse of 6 ft from the ENE with a short period of 8 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (899), but it’s let down by marginal conditions. That afternoon drops right off to a tiny 2 ft, so it’s not going anywhere.

Sunday through to the end of the first week is pretty much a write-off. The swell sticks around, with 7 ft to 8 ft from the ENE on Monday and Tuesday, but the period is short (7-8 seconds) and the combined energy dips from moderate to weak (as low as 420). The scores are zero across the board – poor surf conditions. It’s all chop and no shape. For the experienced crew, that kind of size and wind is more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

The second week doesn’t offer much redemption. The wind stays strong, with that persistent cross-off flow. We get a couple of blips of waist-high swell from the SSW and SW on the 12th and 13th of July, with a very long period of 15-18 seconds. That’s a classic groundswell. But the combined energy is still moderate (between 447 and 648), and the scores are marginal at best. The long period on a reef break like Bowls can produce some nice lines, but with the constant wind, it’s a gamble. The energy fades right off after the 14th, with barely anything showing until the 17th, when we get a little 5 ft pulse from the ENE with a short period. It’s just not enough to get excited about.

So, if you’re looking for a standout, there isn’t one. The best bet, if you’re desperate, would be the dawn patrol on Sunday the 12th of July, when the long-period SW groundswell is offering a tiny bit of potential. But even then, expect a fight with the wind. This is a long stretch of poor quality, but for an exposed spot like this, forecasts can change. Keep the board waxed and hope the trades back off.

Rusty.

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